County seeking watershed input

San Mateo County wants to know the basis for state and regional water boards seeking new watershed regulations before moving forward with outreach to local communities, including those who’ve publicly decried the need for protections which they argue could bring new zoning restrictions.

The Board of Supervisors’ Environmental Quality Committee is hosting a presentation by the Regional Water Quality Control Board at its meeting next week. While previous committee meetings have served as the stage for clashes between the county and the affected residents, the upcoming gathering is scheduled only to hear data collected by the RWQCB "in regards to impaired water bodies, potential new regulations affecting creeks and wetlands and the general basis for the need for new regulations,” according to an invitation sent from Supervisor Rich Gordon to Bruce H. Wolfe, executive officer of the RWQCB.

The county is currently reaching out to the community to explain the need for watershed protections, in part based on forthcoming changes to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit system. Many residents, however, have questioned the need to implement protections without hard data to back up the claims.

According to the county, the state and federal government are looking at changes to protect water and species and will likely ask local jurisdictions to take some action at some point for the 34 watersheds within its borders. Rather than waiting, San Mateo County officials began looking into changes before the state imposes mandates. Some affected residents reacted by asking for scientific proof of a problem prior to action.

Emerald Hills resident Nancy Mangini said a number of like-minded homeowners will likely attend the Nov. 18 meeting to hear what the regional officials say.

The committee was expected at its last meeting to sign off on a revamped statement of purpose and goals but Gordon delayed the action until further review by staff.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

Info box: The Environmental Quality Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18 in Board Chambers, 400 County Center, Redwood City.